Rally In Pembroke Park To Counter State Programs

Randi and Mitch Stewart say troubled teens are a threat to their Lake Forest community.

For 1 1/2 years, they have waged a campaign of protests, phone calls and letters to keep three state-supported juvenile offender programs from operating in neighboring Pembroke Park.

On Saturday at 3 p.m., the Stewarts will sponsor a rally outside Pembroke Park Town Hall, 3150 SW 52nd Ave. They plan to tell residents about the latest struggles while also uniting them to drive away the juvenile offender programs.

"These types of programs do not belong there," said Randi Stewart, who expects 2,000 people at the rally. Her husband, Mitch, is president of the Lake Forest Homeowners Association. "There is a risk factor. We don't know who's going in there."

The state Department of Juvenile Justice is trying to put three programs for juvenile offenders in a complex at 4900 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. But the plan has been met with nearly two years of opposition from many residents who fear for their safety and property values.

Complaints have led to investigations, including a state Comptroller's Office report that found financing problems with one program. The Stewarts claim that thousands of dollars in taxpayers' money has been wasted.

Lawsuits have been filed, including one against the town for halting construction for two of the programs in November 1993. That case is before an appellate court.

To date, only one of the programs has opened - a residential treatment center run by Community Environments Inc. The Juvenile Justice agency contracts with the nonprofit agency to operate the program.

Town officials say about 60 teens have fled the center and have cited it for code violations. They also say the center houses more serious offenders than originally promised.

But Community Environments officials say Saturday's rally and other measures won't intimidate them.

"As far as I'm concerned, we're here to stay," program director Monta Clemons said. "We're going to go on with business as usual and not let it distract us."

The Stewarts have circulated 6,000 fliers announcing the rally to residents in Lake Forest, Carver Ranches, Miami Gardens and Pembroke Park. They also have invited town, county and state officials to speak at the event.

Pam Garwood, principal of Lake Forest Elementary School, plans to attend with some of her staff members. The school is about half a mile from the Juvenile Justice site.

"I have some parents that are very concerned, for obvious reasons," she said.